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Run: Oslo to Ullevalseter and Back (20.00 mi @ 09:14)

MT100s. Glenn and I set out for a 20 mile long run that would also be a way to see some Norway scenery. We got a tip that north of town is a big ski park that has miles of trails. Headed out at 8 AM to a straight on headwind that was pretty cold. We worked our way up through town and out to the “ring” — which is a busier highway that loops the city. There are 3 of these that circle the city. We cut under that and learned that we took the wrong but nearby road up there. Went to a nearby train station and checked the map. We were closer than we thought. Backtracked a bit and cut up and were suddenly on an unpaved road that was the start of this park.

We headed up the road and saw a few other runners going each direction. Seems like the right spot. Lots of rolling hills but mostly rolling up as we were climbing up and out of the city. We kept watching the signs and following the map. The numbers are all in kilometers of course so they seem to get smaller faster.

Finally, we popped out at a cabin/hut that we could refill our bottles at called Ullevalseter. Nobody was there but their were people working inside. Glenn and I put it all together. This is a cross-country ski area. Miles of trails. Then you ski into these huts to chill, drink, and get warm. Then you head out in another direction. Pretty cool!

That was our northern most stop as planned so we headed west a bit and then south. Glenn was excited for me as I was able to run some uphill stuff after being tied up in the city all week.

And I agreed! It was good to be back on vertical stuff. Finally, we got high enough that we could see Oslo down below us. It was getting chilly by this point. Not used to the cold weather running yet this year.

A usual sign cluster at a junction along the way. Which way to go?

Along the way we encourtered a ski park called Tryvann. This place is where you can go after work to ski here. The paths are lighted. Not huge hills but if you want to get some runs in without driving miles and miles from town, this is the place. It was pretty closed down right now since summer just ended but surely it will be hopping as soon as the snow flies.

They had an observation tower you could go up in but it was closed.

We stopped at a small train stop to get a view of Oslo down below. Camera doesn’t pick it up well but it was pretty expansive from up there.

From there it was off to Holmenkollen. That area maintains a large Olympic looking ski jump. Apparently, there was a fire or something that destroyed parts of it so its being fixed/reconstructed right now. We got a great look at the top of it and then were able to weave around back to the bottom to get a look at that angle.

After leaving there, we picked up the pace and cruised back along a larger road into town. We found a train station so we could check the map. Always good to see a map with “you are here” on it so you can reset your bearings. I had an idea of where we were so we continued through town then veered and ended up on a road we took out of the city as we started the run. Then it was straight back to the hotel and a couple small loops just to round out the mileage for the day.

Lots of fun doing a long run here because everything was fresh and new. Tons of breaks along the way as we were sightseeing, taking pictures, and figuring out directions. But that’s the beauty of running — motoring yourself through new places.

Need to do some shopping now to bring things home for the kids. Stuff is expensive here. The sales tax is like 100% or something. However, you can save your receipts and then get the tax back at the airport on your way out of town. Then we are having dinner with our co-workers that live here. After that, its off to bed so I can get up and prepare to fly back to the USA!

I went 20.00 miles with an elevation gain of 2,277 feet in 03:04:51, which is an average pace of 09:14. View my GPS data on Garmin Connect.